Initial verdict: TECNO made a bold statement with the PHANTOM V Flip with its competitive pricing for a flip foldable. It may pack mid-range internals, but TECNO’s move is a step forward toward making foldable phones more accessible to the public.
Pros
-Compelling price
-Tiny outer display has cool functions
Cons
-Mid-range internals
As a follow-up to the PHANTOM V Fold, TECNO wants to make foldables accessible to the public yet again with the PHANTOM V Flip. Despite being more of a mid-range device with its features, the PHANTOM V Flip does have a slight edge against some of its rivals in a few aspects. We were at the launch in Singapore a few days ago and got the opportunity to try the PHANTOM V Flip in person.
TECNO PHANTOM V Flip Philippines: Design
While the overall design principle is the same as with every flip foldable, the PHANTOM V Flip stands out with its large circular module that has a cover display, LED flash, and two cameras. We like how TECNO thought of the design to make it aesthetically pleasing–the LED flash is at the 6 o’clock position, while the main camera is on the 3 o’clock position and the ultra-wide camera is in between the two.
One aspect that makes the PHANTOM V Flip better than its Fold sibling is that its hinge can handle multiple angles a la flex mode. This enables the PHANTOM V Flip to be folded in different angles so that you can utilize its cameras for taking timed selfies and group shots. Just like the competition, the PHANTOM V Flip employs a gapless design for the hinge.
TECNO PHANTOM V Flip Philippines: Display
One advantage the PHANTOM V Flip has over its rivals is that it has the largest inner display for a flip foldable at 6.9 inches. While it may look similar to other flip foldables in the market–it is an AMOLED panel with UTG glass and 120hz variable refresh rate, the additional 0.2 inches of display estate means you can do more with the PHANTOM V Flip’s inner display.
The outer display may be tiny at only 1.32 inches, TECNO showcased that the circular display has multiple functions that include personalized avatars to make the PHANTOM V Flip a statement piece. The idea is similar to HONOR’s approach with the V Purse, but TECNO’s implementation of the PHANTOM V Flip is more practical.
Both colorways showcased during the launch feature leather-like coverings to look premium. TECNO also revealed a variety of cases for the PHANTOM V Flip that includes a scented leather case with fragrant microcapsules that can last for over a year.
TECNO PHANTOM V Flip Philippines: Cameras
The PHANTOM V Flip shares a similar setup with the Camon 20 Pro series with its 32-megapixel selfie shooter and 64-megapixel RGBW main camera. The PHANTOM V Flip is more versatile, however, with the addition of a 13-megapixel ultra-wide camera.
We weren’t able to test out the cameras during the launch, but we expect both the main camera and selfie camera to be good for its price point. We have high expectations for the main camera–especially with TECNO’s claims that RGBW sensors can capture more light, resulting in better light sensitivity especially when shooting in low-light.
TECNO PHANTOM V Flip Philippines: Internals and Battery
The PHANTOM V Flip positions itself as a mid-range device with its use of a Dimensity 8050 processor that’s paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. That’s the same configuration you’ll find on the Camon 20 Pro 5G–so the price premium of the PHANTOM V Flip is due to its form factor.
With the Dimensity 8050 being a rebrand of the Dimensity 1300, we’re assured that the PHANTOM V Flip will deliver a great overall performance. What we like to know is how TECNO designed the thermal management on the PHANTOM V Flip–that is something we will test out once we get our hands on a review unit.
As a flip foldable, the PHANTOM V Flip has a relatively large battery at 4000mAh that supports 45w charging. The battery should comfortably last for a full day of use–and we will verify this once we have more time with the PHANTOM V Flip.
TECNO PHANTOM V Flip Philippines: Wrap-up and Initial Conclusions
TECNO has created a new market for the PHANTOM V Flip with its pricing, as this marks the first time we’re seeing an actual mid-range foldable phone. The PHANTOM V Flip has its fair share of strengths compared to its rivals–and it’s a matter of how much people are willing to spend for a flip foldable phone at this point.
TECNO PHANTOM V Flip Philippines: Price
TECNO announced at the launch that the PHANTOM V Flip is priced at Rs 49,999 or around Php 33k when converted. While they have yet to reveal local pricing, we expect the PHANTOM V Flip to be under Php 40k, making it the most affordable flip foldable in the Philippines.
